The Night of the First Billion
The Night of the First Billion is a 1986 Arabic novel by Syrian writer Ghada Al-Samman (translated into English by Nancy Roberts). It is regarded as one of the era’s most important Arabic novels and is known for its experimental style, using stream-of-consciousness narration. The book explores contradictions in Arab societies, humanity, and extreme wealth.
The story follows Khalil, his wife Kifa, and their sons after their daughter's murder in the Lebanese Civil War and their house being bombed. They flee to Switzerland. In Geneva they meet the Arab diaspora and confront two opposing worlds: wealth and radicalism. This clash creates both inner psychological struggles and outward conflicts as the family navigates revolution and riches.
Al-Samman suggests that moving away from one's homeland is a luxury only the wealthy can afford, closing with the line: “if we all leave, who cuts the thread?”
While The Night of the First Billion helped shape the Syrian novel, it also reflects the Lebanese revolutionary experience and diaspora. Some critics say Al-Samman’s approach shows Western influence—in areas like stream-of-consciousness, secular existentialism, and feminism—but she does not glorify the West and remains critical of European colonization throughout her work.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 03:54 (CET).